BU Law Academic Calendar Structure
The Boston University School of Law academic calendar divides the year into fall and spring semesters, with a winter session and summer term available for coursework and internships. The fall semester typically begins in late August or early September, and the spring semester starts in January, with key add/drop and withdrawal deadlines set in the first two weeks of each term. The calendar is published annually by the registrar and is available on the BU Law website Boston University Law School.
BU Law uses a standard semester system, with most courses running for the full term. The academic year is punctuated by fall and spring breaks, a December reading period, and a January intersession. The law school also aligns its major deadlines with the university-wide academic calendar, ensuring consistency for joint-degree students and cross-registration. BU Registrar
Key Deadlines and Events
Application deadlines for the JD program usually fall in early February for fall entry, with priority consideration given to completed applications by that date. The calendar includes specific dates for orientation, the first-year moot court kickoff, and the fall and spring career development events hosted by the Office of Career Services. Students can find the exact dates each year on the admissions calendar BU Law Admissions.
Exam periods are scheduled at the end of each semester, with fall exams typically in December and spring exams in May. The law school also marks key professional development dates, such as the Public Interest Career Fair and the annual Law and Business Conference. These events are listed on the official academic calendar and are tied to the broader BU academic schedule BU Law Academics.
Special Programs and Calendar Integration
The BU Law calendar integrates dates for the Tax LL.M., Intellectual Property LL.M., and other advanced degree programs, which often start in late summer or early fall. Summer term sessions, including the JD Advantage and LL.M. programs, run in May, June, and July, with registration opening in March. The calendar also reflects the dates for the law school’s clinics, such as the Community Business Clinic and the Criminal Defense Clinic.
Dual Degree and Exchange Opportunities
Students in dual-degree programs with Boston University’s business, international relations, or public health schools follow a shared calendar framework, with key deadlines coordinated across schools. The law school calendar also notes dates for study exchange semesters with partner institutions in Europe and Asia. These integrated dates help students plan internships, study abroad, and joint coursework without conflicting with core BU Law requirements BU Law LL.M. Programs.